Role
Designing interactions between pages, improving site navigation, visual design, and creating a high fidelity prototype for the development team and to share with stake holders.
Date
2021
Purpose
I came onto the project as the UI/UX designer after most of the layout and screens had already been designed for development. However, after some user testing I found there needed to be some editing. I had to communicate with the engineering team and the lead researcher to race against the clock to get the edits done in time for development.
This project was commissioned by cEnergi Lab, a subsidiary of the Institute of Transportation Services of University of California. The team was made up of two designers: Emily Carlson and Angelika Cimene, and a large computer science team that included: ECS Senior Design Capstone Class Team, Terri Soth, Nathan Kong, Ethan Khoe, Frederick Tan, and lastly the lead principle researcher, Dr. Angela Sanguinetti.
Background
EV Explorer is a website that enables users to compare costs for different vehicles based on their own commuting patterns, charging opportunities, vehicle mileage, and local fuel prices. The goal of the website is to demonstrate the positives of owning an electric vehicle to increase their purchase instead of a gas vehicle. After some usability testing, cEnergi Lab decided to completely redesign the original EV Explorer based on the findings.
EV Explorer 1.0
Brief
EV Explorer 2.o is expanded with:
1. Fresher user interface design with improved navigation
2. More detailed and accurate cost calculations
3. Addition of financial incentives based on users location
4. Demonstrate the environmental benefits of buying an EV
Original Site Design of EV Explorer 2.0
Overall usability issues were found with the navigation and visuals.
My Redesign
My solution was to work on building out the hierarchy and reducing the amount of imagery, colors, and icons. This made navigation more clear and visually appealing for the user. This solution was successful and users were able to better navigate the site unimpeded.
Adobe XD Prototype
Social and Environmental Benefits of Choosing EVs
These are the three videos that are also shown with EV Explorer 2.0. This was probably one of the most important additions to the site. There are other EV cost comparison calculators out there, but most of them do not include the environmental benefits of driving an EV. This is vital to show possible buyers because there are plenty of times when the gas car will be cheaper than the electric. Showing users their environmental impact is an important part of the conversation and decision making process.